Independent and Dependent Variables

Tom wants to know if drinking milk will affect how tall a person will grow. Which is the independent variable?

• person's growth

• drinking milk

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A scientific investigation might begin with this question: Does the amount of sleep a person gets affect how well they will do on their math test?

What is the dependent variable?

• the amount of sleep

• How well they do on the math test

Does the type of gasoline put in a car affect how fast the car can drive?

What is the independent variable in this question?

• Type of gasoline

• how fast the car can drive

Angelina set up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp. Identify the independent variable.

• Distance traveled by the ball

• Mass of the ball

Does the flavor of ice cream affect how fast the ice cream melts?

Which is the dependent variable?

• how fast it melts

• flavor of ice cream

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Does the type of shoe worn during a 30 meter dash affect the speed of the runner?

speed of the runner is the _____ variable.

• independent
• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

How does increasing the slope of a ramp affect how far a marble travels?

increasing the slope is the _____ variable.

• independent
• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Will decreasing the temperature of a room affect the lifespan of a battery?

Which part of this question is the independent variable?

• temperature

• lifespan of battery

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

How does watching TV during studying affect a student’s test grade?

student’s test grade is the _____ variable.

• independent
• dependent

How does increasing the amount of sunlight given to tulips affect their growth?

increasing the amount of sunlight is the _____ variable.

• independent
• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1